Auto Transport Companies to Avoid: Scams to Spot

The Classic Red Flags

When it comes to car shipping, you may encounter a couple of red flags that signal poor quality. Not every “too good to be true” deal is fake, but in the car shipping world, nine times out of ten, it is. So, there is no good story without a hero or heroine, or scams in this case. Be aware of auto transport companies to avoid. 

Here is a list of signs to pay attention to:

Super Low Prices

When shipping services themselves are costly, super-low prices are a real trap. Nothing worth having comes easily, practically, or financially. The market itself sets pricing, so if one company quotes you way below the others, it’s probably bait. Even with lavish discounts, the fluctuation among quotes can be around $200 to $300. If you see more, just be careful.  

No DOT or MC Number

A very important point to focus on: if a car transport company is legit, then it has a Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) number. No number? No trust.

Cash-Only Demands

Payment methods also indicate the reputation of shipping companies. Usually, a well-reputed company accepts multiple payment methods. If you face another scenario, like insisting on cash or a wire transfer, that’s a big nope.

Vague Contracts

Contracts are another important point to focus on. If the contract is sketchy, rushed, or missing key details (like insurance coverage), hit the brakes. With trusted shipping companies, you have all the details visible and easy to digest.

Pushy Sales Tactics

Don’t take a lot of calls as an expression of care or commitment. If someone’s calling you 10 times a day or pressuring you to “book now before prices go up,” that’s not customer service but a pure scam. A well-reputed shipping company will call you to clarify details and discuss pickup dates. No pushy staff at all.

The Real vs. Fake Comparison

auto transport scam

How to Protect Your Ride

With the growing shipping market and ample offers, we are easily buried under various options before our feet hit the floor. So, it is of great importance to communicate your expectations with a shipping company and discuss sensitive details with them before starting any process. It is one of the best ways to protect your ride. Here are the steps to follow to feel safe:

Research Before You Book

Always do a lot of research before buying a service or product that costs a lot of money, no matter what your reason is. Type the name of the company into Google along with "scam" or "complaint." Stay away if you see red flags. 

Verify Credentials

Check for credentials. Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to confirm DOT/MC numbers. If they are missing, it’s not the company to go to.

Read Reviews, Not Just Ratings

Reviews do matter. It’s really easy to take fake reviews from real ones. It’s not a secret that scammers sometimes buy reviews. So, look carefully for detailed, human-sounding feedback.

Get It in Writing

When you engage a business to pick up or move something, always ask for a written contract that spells out the payment terms, the time frames for the pickup or delivery, and the details of the insurance coverage. 

Why Revoway’s Different

Revoway has its team as a driving force behind its services and customer satisfaction. Years of experience have forged Revoway and built our reputation on transparency and trust. We prove our words with actions:

• Licensed and insured with verified DOT/MC numbers.
• Honest, competitive pricing, a locked-in pricing policy, and never bait-and-switch.
• Real customer reviews from Californians just like you and more.
• Multiple payment options with secure processing.
• Timely delivery, vetted carriers, and regular updates

You know precisely what you're paying for and when your automobile will get there when you ship with us. No games. No fraud. Just for peace of mind. 

Ready to Ship Smart?

Don’t let scammers get the keys to your ride. Choose a car shipping company that’s as reliable as your favorite freeway shortcut.

FAQ

1. How can I check if a car shipping company is legit?

Always verify their DOT and MC numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. A legitimate company will display these numbers openly and provide them on request. If they hesitate or refuse, that’s a red flag.

2. Why should I avoid companies offering super-low prices?

Because the market sets the rates. If a company quotes you hundreds below the average, it’s likely bait-and-switch. You may end up with hidden fees, delays, or worse - your car stuck with a shady broker.

3. What makes Revoway different from scammy transporters?

Revoway is fully licensed, insured, and transparent. We offer secure payment options, locked-in pricing, real customer reviews, and clear contracts with insurance coverage spelled out. In other words - no scams, just smooth shipping.